KUALA LUMPUR: Neither the police nor any other enforcement agency will use intimidation tactics or conduct an investigation over the phone, says Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Acryl Sani Abdullah Sani.
He said only scammers would resort to such tactics and advised the public to be careful when they get calls from unknown people.
“Police officers will only call a person to set an appointment for a meeting at the designated police station or police headquarters in the course of an investigation.
“The police will not threaten the public or instruct them to divulge personal or financial information. We don’t conduct investigations online or over the phone.
“I have said this many times before, but I feel that the public must be reminded of the ploy by scammers so that people will not be duped,” he told reporters after launching a blood donation programme at Bukit Aman yesterday.
While scam cases seemed to be declining, he said the public must remain wary of scammers’ tactics.
“The police will continue carrying out awareness programmes on scammers and their tactics.
“I understand that some people might panic when they receive calls from those claiming to be government officers.
“During such instances, hang up your phone and contact the nearest district or state police headquarters,” he said.
Acryl Sani also praised efforts by the Bukit Aman Commercial Crime Investigation Department (CCID) in combating online crimes, especially scams.
He said the CCID is preparing the PDRM Anti-Scam campaign, which will be launched soon.
Acryl Sani added that the sharing of intelligence between the CCID and other enforcement agencies in the region and other parts of the world is integral to combating commercial crime.
“This has led to various international syndicates being brought to justice.
“Such collaborations must be enhanced to ensure more successful operations against these syndicates,” he added.
On the blood donation campaign, Acryl Sani expressed his pride that the police force is among the most active government agencies involved in such campaigns.
“We are grateful for the collaboration with the Health Ministry, especially the National Blood Bank, in organising blood donation drives and campaigns,” he added.
Among those who attended the event were Bukit Aman Narcotic Crime Investigation Department director Comm Datuk Ayob Khan Mydin Pitchay and other department directors and a representative from the National Blood Bank.